Leaving Winston’s alter ego and taking only the stat-stuffing quarterback would do wonders in his attempt to be the first repeat winner in nearly four decades. And if you don’t think public image matters, see Johnny Manziel and Tim Tebow for future reading.

Even still, Winston faces an uphill battle to win in — let alone return to — New York City.

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If past results are any indication, Winston would have to top last season’s 4,057 pass yards, 66.9 completion percentage and 40-plus touchdowns — and then some. With a schedule light on challenges and roster brimming with NFL talent, Winston could set 2014 on cruise control.

But if the Seminoles are undefeated entering the first ever College Football Playoff? That’s an offer the Heisman committee couldn’t refuse.

My Heisman Power Rankings for Week 1:

1. Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia: Out of Aaron Murray’s shadow, Gurley gained a school-record 293 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns against we-usually-don’t-collapse-until-November Clemson. The only word of caution? Only two running backs, discounting Reggie Bush’s vacated Heisman, have won the award in the last 15 years.

2. Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State: Winston will inevitably have games where he can mail it in statistically given the depth of the Noles’ defense. The Ghost of Archie Griffin figures to float high above Tallahassee all year. Still, 25-for-40 for 370 yards against Oklahoma State bears mention.

3. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon: The Ducks’ quarterback doesn’t get much exposure with late-night weekend games, but he can set the pace early when Michigan State and ESPN’s College Gameday visit Eugene on Saturday. His first game: 70.0 completion percentage, 300-plus all-purpose yards and four scores.

4. Kenny Hill, QB, Texas A&M: After causing a few headset spikes from the Head Ball Coach last weekend, everyone’s struggling to coin a nickname for Manziel’s heir apparent. What’s as uncertain: Is Hill — or Manziel even — just a product of head coach Kevin Sumlin’s brilliance?

5. Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska: A 232-yard rushing performance in the Huskers’ season opener raised eyebrows. Abdullah, who opted against entering the NFL Draft a year ago, should rack up yards in Nebraska’s run-first system.

Honorable mentions

Everett Golson, QB, Notre Dame: Will the committee fawn over a comeback story? After sitting out all of 2013 because of a violation of academic policy, the leader of the Golden Domes passed for two scores and rushed for three more.

Cody Kessler, QB, USC: Wouldn’t be a Heisman watch without a Trojan. Kessler has a legitimate chance to put up huge numbers in Steve Sarkisian’s hurry-up system.